World Cup bowling qualifier kicks off

MANILA, Philippines - Hundreds of bowling fanatics are expected to see action when the first qualifying period of the 2009 Bowling World Cup competition unwraps today in 17 centers in Metro Manila and the provinces.

The goal of participants in the national World Cup is to represent the Philippines in the 45th international finals set Nov. 14-21 at the 52-lane Melaka Bowling Center in Melaka, Malaysia.

Competition in the tourney co-sponsored by Amway-Nutrilite will be held at Paeng’s Eastwood Bowl, Puyat Sports Farmers, Superbowl, Bowling Inn, Paeng’s Towncenter Bowl, Paeng’s Midtown Bowl, SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, SM Fairview, SM North Edsa, SM Cebu, Coronado Lanes (formerly Starlanes), Astrobowl (formerly Metropolis Alabang), Commonwealth, Paeng’s Freedom Bowl Imus, Puyat Sports Baguio and Paeng’s Skybowl.

Bowlers may compete in as many centers as they want. The first center finals will be staged from July 3 to July 9. The second qualifying period starts on July 10, with the second center finals set from Aug. 28 to Sept. 3 with the national finals will be held on Sept. 12 and 13 at Coronado Lanes, Sept. 15 and 16 at SM Megamall and Sept. 18 at Paeng’s Eastwood Bowl.